If you're in the process of applying for technology jobs, you might quickly see how competitive the industry landscape is. Today's employers want field experience — sometimes several years — leadership skills, proven results, and in-demand skills. You might even see employers requiring or preferring candidates with specific certifications.
The technology industry certainly is one of the largest sectors in the world, with an expected growth of 5% by 2024. It's no wonder that the industry consistently looks for the most qualified candidates to fill its positions from a sea of applicants.
Discover how a technology certification can help you stand out and which ones are worth it for women to pursue.
Why Should I Earn a Technology Certification?
Certifications aren't always necessary for a successful career in technology. However, some employers prefer candidates with them. Even when they aren't a requirement for a job, they can still help your application stand out among other qualified candidates.
Other reasons to consider earning a technology certification include:
- Continued Learning: Pursuing a certification shows that you care about furthering your education and knowledge of your industry. Many employers value professionals who prioritize learning.
- Advanced Skills: Several technology certification programs don't just award you with a certificate proving your credentials. They also provide you with the necessary training and education to earn those credentials by teaching you advanced, in-demand industry skills.
- Confidence: Earning an extra credential you can add to your resume can empower you to feel confident about your position within the technology industry.
Top 6 Technology Certifications for Women to Add to Their Resume
The following technology certifications are some of the most renowned and respected in the industry, making them excellent choices for professional women in tech.
CompTIA
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is likely the most prominent provider of technology certifications. The organization offers training, certifications, tests, and professional events for the tech workforce.
According to Skillsoft Global Knowledge, some of CompTIA's certifications are among the most popular for women to pursue, including its CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ credentials.
Each of the organization's certifications helps candidates build, master, and test their skills through hands-on training and testing. Students also access a wealth of resources, including instructor-led training, virtual labs, and exam prep materials.
ITIL® Foundation
This certification endorses a candidate's knowledge of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). The ITIL® Foundation certification course, which comes from Skillsoft Global Knowledge, teaches ITIL terminology and techniques for making IT work with business practices.
Women interested in getting certified can attend a three-day online program for eight hours a day to complete training before sitting for the exam. A bridge course is also available to update certification holders from ITIL® v3 Foundation to ITIL4.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is the number three top-paying certification for technology professionals, according to Skillsoft Global Knowledge.
This certification is for technology professionals who use AWS to design cloud solutions. Learners can take training courses before completing the exam, which is 65 multiple-choice questions with a 130-minute time limit. AWS offers practice exams, webinars, and guides to ensure applicant success.
Google Professional Certifications
Two of Google's certifications for tech professionals — Google Certified Professional Data Engineer and Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect — rank in the number one and two spots for highest-paying certifications on Skillsoft Global Knowledge's list. Women in tech can expect to earn as much as $171,749, on average, with a Google credential.
These certifications build ready-to-use skills that today's tech professionals can put to work in various prestigious careers, including data analytics, project management, and UX design. Each certification training and exam is 100% online.
Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft has been a key player in advancing the careers of women in tech. The tech giant offers multiple certifications, including Data Engineer, Administrator, and Solution Architect, each covering fundamentals and advanced techniques of Microsoft tools relevant to varied career paths.
Depending on the requirements of their jobs, women can also pursue role-based credentials, like Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate.
Project Management Professional (PMP)®
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from Project Management Institute helps women build the soft and hard skills necessary to become successful project managers. According to Payscale, certified professionals can expect an average salary of $110,000 a year.
Candidates must meet education and experience requirements before beginning the program.
Advance Your Skills with the Right Technology Certification
Women who advance their knowledge with a reputable technology certification can earn an average salary increase of up to $13,000 a year. Additionally, they could have more career opportunities come their way and gain noteworthy skills that they can continue to use throughout their careers.
To broaden your horizons as a professional woman in the tech industry, consider creating your professional profile on the WomenTech Network. You'll connect with top brands and startups to get matched with potential job opportunities that match your skills and interests.